Whether as a destination in itself, a hub for the Middle East, or as a stopping-off point en route to Europe, Africa or further afield, Dubai is a magnet for tourism. Visitors find themselves entranced by Dubai's growing number of attractions, from trophy architectural projects to natural wonders and exciting experiences.
Barely a week goes by without something new opening. Just last month, One&Only The Palm - Dubai's smartest beach resort - threw open its doors, showcasing luxurious guestrooms, an all-suite spa and a trio of restaurants conjured up by Michelin-star chef Yannick All?no.
'Middle Eastern cuisine is a crossroads of spices, smells, colours and tastes,' All?no says. 'I had to really immerse myself in the products and local flavours before being able to produce a contemporary cuisine that suits this specific clientele.'
A crossroads of spices, smells, colours and tastes could well sum up Dubai, too, having grown from a backwater port to one of the most glittering destinations in the world in a few decades.
The 828-metre Burj Khalifa dominates the city physically and as a symbol of Dubai's achievements. A super-fast lift hurtles up to the observation deck which provides jaw-dropping panoramas out over the Gulf and even as far away as Iran.
One of the great pleasures of Dubai is the contrast of old and new. Traditional wooden sailing dhows still dock at Dubai Creek, and a gentle half-hour's trip aboard an abra (a boat) is to gain an insight into the heart of the city.
